The Essex Base Ball Association Open 2016 Season- All teams split

In game 1, Newburyport extended it’s winning streak from last year’s undefeated season after a convincing victory over Lowell 15-6. The bats came alive as every Clamdigger was involved in the offense. The highlights were Mikey “Ace” Kent making his pitching debut and holding the potent Lowell offense at bay all game. His catcher, rookie Paul “the Wall” Chiozzi made countless put outs on foul tips in his first ever game.

In game 2, Lowell and Newburyport exchanged the lead back and forth throughout the game but Lowell was able to hang on to the victory 10-9 behind solid defense and the pitching of John “Face Plant” Lynch. The offense was balanced for the Lowell Nine but in his first game Brian “Rookie” Rivet helped pace the Lowell bats. Lowell would like to thank the members of the NH Granite for helping fill out our roster for the day.

In game 3, the Portsmouth Rockinghams and the Lynn Live Oaks opened their respective seasons. Lynn jumped out to an early lead by tallying 6 runs in the first inning and held the lead for the rest of the game.  Behind some well played defense Lynn was able to hold the Rockinghams at bay and get their first win of the year.  Highlights of the game: Brett ” Hardcore” Zanni played a very skilled third base and did not record an out while striking.  Rookie Derek “Black Beard” Boutwell had a good showing both at catcher and at the plate.  His moon shot to left center broke the game open in the 8th inning.

Game 4 of our Opening Day festivities saw the Portsmouth batters string several well placed hits throughout the middle innings to take a commanding lead over Lynn and never look back. Jared “Chops” Beaumont playing in his new starting position as catcher kept the Live Oak runners on their toes all afternoon with strong and accurate throws to 2^nd base from behind the plate while the Rockingham outfielders had to contend with a gusty tail wind that forced them to play extra deep against Lynn’s bashers and make some great deep catches on the fly all afternoon.

 

 

Draft Horse Plow Day is Tomorrow

Fantastic family day at Spencer-Peirce-Little Farm!

VINTAGE BASE BALL OPENING DAY (4 Games starting at 10am)
Newburyport Clamdiggers Vs. Lowell BBC
&
Rockinghams Vs. Live Oaks

DRAFT HORSE PLOW MATCH
Teams from across New England have draft horse and mule plow matches!

SHEEP SHEARING
Our resident sheep (and goat) will be sheared for the season. See how wool is processed.

FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT
O’Carolan Etcetera

Lindsay and her Puppet Pals

Horse-Drawn Wagon Rides
Blacksmithing Demonstrations
Arts and Crafts for the kids!

FOOD VENDORS
*Mad Martha’s *
http://madmarthasislandcafe.com/
*Learned’s Apple Pies*
http://www.learnedsapplepie.com/
*Ipswich Ale / Ipswich Soda Pop!*
http://www.ipswichalebrewery.com/HOME.html
*Jim Jam’s Hot Dogs too!*

Essex Starts the Season Strong

On a dreary Saturday morning the Essex Base Ball Club kicked off the 2016 campaign with two matches against the Boston Beaneaters in Dorchester, MA. With what may have been the best assemblage of talent ever to grace an Essex roster the boys took off in the first game scoring 12 runs in the first inning on their way to a 27-3 victory in game one. Game two was a back and forth game until the 4^th when the Essex boys were able to establish a lead and at that point they never looked back winning 14-5. The Essex boys were helped with solid defense from center fielder Drew “Captain Clam” Murphy, first baseman Matt Larrabee, third baseman Brian “Cappy” Sheehy, and of course the masterful pitching of Brian “Wizard” Besse and Pat Cook. We would like to thank the Beaneaters for a good day of base ball and we look forward to seeing them again.